Parasites of Humans

Last updated almost 2 years ago

This collection provides information on the many eukaryotic (non-bacterial) creatures that regularly or occasionally parasitize humans. Some of these, such as the blood-borne apicomplexan protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes malaria, are responsible for widespread and severe human suffering and death. Some, such as the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, are not very commonly encountered--but this is little solace to those infected with a parasite such as this one, which is nearly always fatal and can be acquired by putting one's head under water in a hot spring. Some parasites are usually merely annoying, such as Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice). Finally, a few of the organisms included in this collection are not known to harm their host at all (i.e., they are not truly parasites but are commensal, benefiting from their association with the host without harming it).